Nearly 80 percent of American households have old technology sitting around, according to a recent survey by Staples. Most people with old, unused tech devices have one to five pieces they’d like to get rid of, but less than half know how to recycle it, the survey found.

“You make a lot of changes when you’re trying to live a greener lifestyle, from recycling all the plastics your family uses to choosing more energy-efficient appliances,” says Toni Hammersley, blogger at A Bowl Full of Lemons. “Fortunately, you can also green your digital life by recycling old technology you no longer use. Staples will take a slew of your old and unused technology products right in-store for free to help you responsibly and easily recycle.”

Recycling technology is good for the environment, the EPA says. Valuable resources like metals, plastics and glass can be reused; every 1 million cellphones recycled yield 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and 33 pounds of palladium, according to the EPA. What’s more, recycling or donating electronics reduces consumption of natural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and air and water pollution associated with making new materials.

Hammersley, an organizational expert, offers some tips for recycling tech:

* You can recycle old office technology that no longer works for free by taking them into your local Staples. The store will accept the computers, monitors, printers and numerous other types of electronics for recycling – free of charge. For more information on the program and a list of tech items that can be accepted into the free recycling program, visit Staples online.

*You can also trade in eligible technology to receive a Staples eCash card that you can use toward your next in-store or online purchase. The laptop that’s too slow for your gaming activities might qualify for a trade in and get a gift card to put toward new technology or anything else you need within the store.

* Equipment that still works can also be donated. Goodwill accepts technology items for repair and recycling and schools, churches, charities and other community organizations in your area may accept older tech that’s still usable. You can also find computer donation organizations with a simple online search. Before you donate any piece of technology, be sure that the organization can use it and you won’t burden them with items they might have to recycle. Also be sure to delete all your personal information, including files, documents and apps that may contain personal information. Staples provides this service in stores through their Tech Services.

“Clutter of any kind can stand in the way of organization at home or in the office,” Hammersley says. “Recycling is one of the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways to get rid of any kind of clutter – including old technology.”

*BPT

The post Top tips for recycling tossed-aside tech appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

These days, there is a lot to be known about the environment, and more importantly what we can do to help preserve it. Although it seems like a worldwide effort, there are small changes that you and your family can make to make your home green, and more energy efficient. Here are six products that can help lighten your wallet and your family’s carbon footprint.

NuvoH2O Home System – Hard, versus soft, water can be harmful to your home and your family’s budget. A salt-less system that softens your water, called the Nuvo H2O Home System, can be installed and will ensure your family is bathing in and drinking water that is healthier and less acidic. Uses Citrus, not Salt! It’s easy to maintain and has a nice compact design. Fewer appliances are being clogged with calcium deposits and are running more efficiently, while at the same time using less detergent and soap extending the life of your appliances. It is easy to install and you can choose the right size softener – Nuvo Studio System (for 1,000 sq ft and smaller homes), Nuvo Home System (for 1,000-2,000 sq ft homes) and Nuvo Manor System (for 2,000+ sq ft homes)dependent on the size of your home. Awarded Best in Show at 2014 International Builders Show for Indoor Living!

Buy a Nuvo H2O system here!

LG Energy Efficient Washer/Dryer – Another product that is designed to conserve money and energy within your home is the high efficiency washer and dryer. The LG Electronic Washer and Dryer is one of the better models and would be the perfect addition to a family home hoping to go green, help the Earth and, of course, shave a few dollars from the monthly budget. In 2013, it was awarded the Energy Star for most efficient design. Yearly, the washer only costs $14 to operate. They use less water and less electricity. Other models of energy efficient washers and dryers come from Kenmore, Frigidaire, and Samsung.

Tyvek Insulation – Tyvek ThermaWrap™ is a type of metallized insulation that can be installed in your home that will help your home save money long-term.In cold weather insulation keeps heat in, while it keeps the warm out in the hotter months of the year. This translates to a more energy efficient home because it is less costly to operate and only uses the heat and air that your family absolutely needs.

Click here for instructions on installation.

Philips LED Lighting – Electric bills can accrue quickly during both warm and cold months, and can become a large part of your monthly utilities. An efficient way to light your home and avoid high costs is to install Philips’ LED light bulbs and other lighting components. Philips’ LED light bulbs contain no mercury and last significantly longer than traditional light bulbs. The standard A Shape bulb works at 11 watts while doing the work of a 60 watt light bulb.  These energy-efficient bulbs can be purchased at home improvement stores everywhere.

Velux Skylights – Skylights are also called roof windows, and are both beautiful and use natural light to reduce electricity use. Velux skylights are equipped with Neat glass that keeps windows nearly spotless while reducing outside noise by 25 percent. When you install a skylight, you eliminate the need for electric light and give any room in your house that natural touch. You can search for the residential skylight that is right for you here at the Velux website.

To learn more about finding new ways to save energy and money in your home, visit the Energy Star website for tips and tricks. As well, at the Colorado Dream Homes website, there are tips for keeping a low maintenance home. The EPA also offers a website with information about building a greener home.

The post Healthy Home: Little Changes = Big Results appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Once summer kicks in, it becomes everyone’s M.O. to cave to the siren call of endless weekend barbecues and blast the A/C like a stereo at the fingertips of a metalhead. And does anyone ever think twice about these things? Psshhh… no. So it may surprise you to learn that your summertime lifestyle is, more than likely, harming the Earth. Happily, there are a lot of simple habit tweaks to help you go green during the summertime, and you’ll be shocked at just how easy a lot of them are to incorporate into your everyday!

Up the Efficiency of Cooling Down

Did you know air conditioning use in the US alone costs Americans $11 billion and releases 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year? Those numbers are so big, they’re hard to wrap your head around. Happily, the things you can do to help are much more manageable.

•Adapt your appliance use. If it’s a real scorcher out there, you can reduce your need to amp up the A/C by avoiding the use of heat-heavy appliances like ovens, hotplates, and irons.

•Opt for energy efficient light bulbs. CFLs, those newfangled squiggly bulbs, are not only energy efficient and wallet-friendly, they put off less heat and will play a part in keeping your home inherently cooler.

•Invest in a smart thermostat. To max your A/C efficiency, get a programmable thermostat stat! Synced with your daily schedule, this gadget will help you avoid leaving the A/C on all the time, which is a huge waste. Bonus? You’ll save around $180 a year and keep cool.

•Set up for shade. Pro tip: install your A/C unit somewhere shady, and it will use 10% less energy! To go the extra mile, add awnings or solar screens to your windows. According to WebMD, “The Department of Energy estimates that awnings can reduce solar heat gain – the amount the temperature rises – in your house by as much as 77%.

•Become a fan on fans. When night lumbers down and it cools off a bit, use fans to blow cold air into your home. Consider using ceiling fans during the day too; they’re 90% more efficient than central air.

BBQ Best Practices

On the 4th of July alone, BBQs result in the release of 225,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and the equivalent destruction of 2,300 acres of forest. What can you do to help? So glad you asked!

•Be Pro Propane. Charcoal briquettes may sound sexy, but they’re pretty darn polluting. Propane burns cleaner, and keeps you from killing trees when firing up your noms.

•Choose Reusable. We’re sure you’ve an inkling as to just how wasteful it is to use disposable dishes and napkins. Though toting around reusable picnic settings might be marginally less convenient, true, it makes a big difference (and looks a heck of a lot prettier!). Don’t have something appropriate? You can find something fitting in an eco-friendly way: by swapping, of course!

Easy Green Tips

•Pump It Up! Instead of using aerosol-bottle sunscreens that are a big ‘Oh no!’ for the ozone, use sunscreen that comes in a squeeze tube or a bottle with a pump-style top.

•Shine with Solar. Invest in a solar charger for your electronics. This will not only cut down on your energy usage, it’ll make it easier to charge your gadgets on the go!

By incorporating even a few of these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a summer that’s green as the grass outside your door, so start changing those habits, and spread the word!

The post Tips on How to Go Green This Summer appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Hollywood is going green!

On April 22, more than one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day. From Gisele Bündchen to Jessica Alba, let’s take a look at three green celebrity moms who inspire others to protect Mother Nature.

Jessica Alba:

Actress Jessica Alba and husband Cash Warren are parents to two daughters: Honor, 5½ and Haven, 2½. 

Shortly after her second daughter arrived, the Fantastic Four star partnered with Christopher Gavigan, dad-of-two and founder of Healthy Child Healthy World, to create The Honest Company, an online source to purchase eco-friendly baby/kid products.

The Sin City actress opened up to Celebrity Baby Scoop about how she encourages her girls to minimize their carbon footprint.

“First and foremost, we try to model and practice eco-friendly habits for the girls,” she shared. “Otherwise, we talk to them about being mindful and explain that things can be turned into something else one day. This can be as simple as teaching them about recyclables and showing how to sort bottles and cans from trash.”

She added: “We also do a lot of DIY crafts like using cardboard boxes to make airplanes and dollhouses—our creative playtime together similarly shows the girls about repurposing old items.”

The mom-of-two is all about living eco-friendly on a daily basis.

“Involving children in gardening and cooking is another great way to inspire eco-friendly living,” she said. “Caring for the plants in our herb wall garden helps Honor understand the steps to growing food (including patience!), how it ultimately lands on her plate, and about being a good steward of the planet.”

“Honor is also a great sous chef when we’re in the kitchen, so being a part of the dinner process encourages her to eat the foods she grows and develops her taste for fresh ingredients,” she continued. “Hopefully, this lays the foundation for children to prioritize their health and that of the planet.”

Alicia Silverstone:

Alicia Silverstone is one outspoken green mama!

The actress caused quite a stir with a video that went viral. The Clueless star was seen feeding her then- 11-month-old son Bear Blu mouth-to-mouth on her eco-friendly blog The Kind Life.

She wrote: “I just had a delicious breakfast of miso soup, collards and radish steamed and drizzled with flax oil, cast iron mochi with nori wrapped outside, and some grated daikon. Yum! I fed Bear the mochi and a tiny bit of veggies from the soup…from my mouth to his. It’s his favorite…and mine.”

Alicia and her husband Christopher Jarecki live in a Los Angeles home with solar panels and an organic vegetable garden. The actress is an advocate for animal rights and environmental issues and became a vegan in 1998. She shares her eco-friendly tips on her official website.

“The Kind Life is an interactive extension of my book, “The Kind Diet”, which is about living your healthiest and happiest life to the fullest, while taking care of mama Earth at the same time!,” Alicia writes on her blog. “The site is whatever you make of it; whether it’s joining the many others who are on this same journey or simply visiting to gather information and other tips. Whatever you need, you will find it here. I will be sharing all kinds of tasty morsels with you; from fashion and beauty tips, to simple ways that we can help the planet! By the time you’re done with your visit, your mouth will be watering and you will surely want to crash here forever. So come on in, kick off your shoes and check out all sorts of recipes, my favorite foods, nutritional information from doctors that are in the book, the very best restaurants, amazing travel discoveries, party planning tips, ways to make sure your house is as healthy and green as possible, great pet care tips, and so much more.”

Alicia is also vocal about elimination communication, the eco-friendly potty training technique coined by Ingrid Bauer, author of Diaper Free! The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene.

“When Bear Blu was 5-months-old,” the proud mama tweeted, “[S]aturday bear blu went poo and pee on toilet 4x throughout the day…we were so proud! “Check out book Diaper Free..soo fun!” The actress added, “yesterday bear did 2 poops in toilet….so sweet! i’m saving so many diapers…even cloth ones….yahoooo! and it’s so fun!”

Gisele Bündchen:

Supermodel mom Gisele Bündchen has long been an advocate of going green. The Brazilian beauty says that her children – Benjamin, 4, Vivian, 1, and 6-year-old stepson Jack – have made the importance of the message really hit home.

“I had my first munchkin, Jack (husband Tom Brady’s son with Bridget Moynahan), before I gave birth to Benjamin,” Gisele said. “After spending so much time with Jack I saw how he wanted to play with the stuff I was using instead of the toys we bought him. In terms of clothes, I bought Jack so many clothes and am now using them for Benjamin. Look, when I was growing up my sisters and I wore hand-me-downs and am now doing the same thing. This all goes back to my motto: Reduce, recycle and reuse. The more we buy the more we encourage the manufacturers to produce more stuff.”

Also a fan of elimination communication, Gisele said Benjamin was potty trained at 6-months-old! How did she do it?

The model mom said that her son was on a schedule including breastfeeding in the morning and afternoon, promptly followed by a bowel movement, making it easy for her to put him on the toilet and eliminate the use of a diaper. Of the process she said,

“Give it about five minutes, and bang,” admitting with a laugh that she realizes the process is actually, “more complicated.”

More Hollywood mom & baby news: 

Raphael Sbarge: I Started Green Wish In Response To Becoming A Father

Beverley Mitchell Shares Details of Posh Nursery

Jen Kessy: “I Am Beyond Excited To Be Pregnant”

Bill Rancic Debuts ‘Kitchen Casino’

5 Celebrity Moms Who Embraced Their Post-Baby Bodies

CelebrityBabyScoop.com is one of the most popular blogs on the topic and the foremost provider of everything celebrity-baby, featuring baby fashion, baby names, baby trends and up-to-the-minute celebrity baby gossip and pics. Get all the latest news, updates, and photos about Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity moms, dads and their babies. Who’s the latest Tinseltown baby? Who’s due next and who just announced a pregnancy? It’s all on CelebrityBabyScoop.com. 

The post Earth Day: 3 Eco-Friendly Celebrity Moms appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

When my wife Katy and I got married, building a life that was safe and healthy to raise a family was of the utmost important to us.  Living green has been a lifelong practice that really flourished as our family grew.  Our number one priority has been to raise a happy family and create a healthy environment for us, as well as, our surrounding community of Manhattan Beach, CA.

We are often asked, “What can I do to live a green lifestyle?”  The answer is simple, if everyone would make small changes in their everyday lives, it could make a significant impact on the strain for resources in their local communities.  Katy and I have compiled a list of some simple ways we all can contribute to making a smaller footprint.

1.  Reduce Water Consumption– There are several ways families can reduce their water consumption.

• Take showers instead of baths. Newer higher efficiency showerheads provide good water pressure and use less water than filling a bath tub.
• Shorten Shower time. Less time in the shower saves up to 5 gallons of water per minute you cut from shower time.
• Use high efficiency toilets. Over the past several years manufacturers have worked to make toilets more water efficient and bacteria-resistant which makes them easier to clean.
• Xeriscape – Be thoughtful in your landscaping choices. Utilize plants and grasses that are drought tolerant. Reduce water consumption and garden maintenance simultaneously.
• Plant trees for shade. Not only will the shade help reduce cooling costs, it will also increase property values when the trees mature.

2.  Use Natural Cleaning Products– Natural cleaning products are readily available at most super markets. They clean, disinfect and deodorize the same way conventional cleaning products do without harmful chemicals. Read labels before you purchase, natural ingredients include baking soda, borax, cornstarch, lemon juice, mineral oil, vinegar and washing soda. If you choose to make your own, add essential oils for fragrance.

3.  Maximize Solar Power– Consider installing solar panels to heat and cool your home. Solar panels will reduce energy levels and benefit your entire community by reducing energy consumption at the local power plant.

4.  Preserve Air Quality– Use eco-friendly paints the next time you update a room in your house. Eco-friendly paints have very low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and come in a wide array of colors.

5.  Reduce Utility Consumption– Upgrade to a high quality air filtering system. By providing better air ventilation and exhaust in your home you will have cleaner air to breathe while reducing strain your community’s electric and gas consumption.

6.  Buy Natural and Organic Products– When making purchases for furniture and bedding choose organic products made from sustainable materials like unbleached wool, bamboo, or natural plant fibers. Using eco-friendly furniture is an excellent way to detox your home. Organic mattresses made from wool or natural latex and have been shown to reduce allergens in the air.

7.  Use Re-usable Containers– Rather than using foil or plastic wrap; try using re-usable storage containers for leftovers or lunches. Consider taking a coffee mug to work instead of using Styrofoam cups. Not only will you save money, you will also reduce items that sit in a landfill for years decomposing.

8.  Eat Clean– More processing equals less nutrient density in foods. Focus on buying fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet. Eating clean will improve your health and cut down on landfill items by cutting out cans, glass and plastics in your trash.

9.  Conduct an Energy Audit– Discover where you have leaks and plug them up. Inefficient windows and doors can cost a lot in utility bills in the winter. If you still feel drafts, hire a professional auditor through the Department of Energy’s Energy Saver site. They can make excellent recommendations to make your home weather tight.

10.  Recycle– Most major cities offer free recycling as part of weekly trash removal programs. Take advantage of the service and sort through glass, plastic, aluminum and paper. Quarterly go through closets and drawers and find clothes the kids have outgrown or that you simply don’t wear anymore and donate to a thrift store or homeless shelter. Items that are gently used can benefit others in your community.

Living a green lifestyle is a conscious choice we made for our family, and we can attest to the fact that the benefits far outweigh the planning it takes.  We would like to encourage you to join us in adopting a green lifestyle for your family.  You will be amazed at the difference it will make in your lives and in your local community.

Good luck and happy parenting!

Daddy Nickell

The Nickells’ practice what they preach as they are in the process of building an eco- friendly home that is on track to receive Platinum LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the Daddy & Co. blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post 10 Tips for Greener Living appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The formerly “fringe” back-to-nature movement has become mainstream in America and nowhere is the desire for a more natural approach to living more prevalent than in our homes. From organically grown fruits and vegetables to VOC-free paint choices, the trend is toward fewer additives, synthetics and chemicals.–

But for all the farmers market-purchased food in the kitchen and goat milk soaps in the bathroom, one room that has been neglected in the quest for a more natural home is the bedroom. However, it doesn’t take very much to make the bedroom more natural or “green.” Here are three easy and effective tips:

Choose natural bedding materials

Down and feathers come from nature, are biodegradable and renewable; consequently they have the lowest carbon footprint of any bedding fill material. Thirty-six percent of U.S. adults use down and feather bedding precisely because it is eco-friendly, according to a recently completed Harris Survey commissioned by the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC).

Being a natural insulator, down helps regulate body heat for an optimal sleeping experience, which allows homeowners to turn down the thermostat at night and save on heating costs. The survey found that 55 percent of U.S. adults who use down and feather bedding have chosen it precisely for its natural warmth.

Add fresh plants and flowers to your decor

Live plants act as natural air filters and some plants – spider plants, Boston ferns, rubber plants and palm trees – are particularly effective absorbers of chemical pollutants emitted from carpets, furniture and electronic equipment. Adding fresh flowers and plants to your bedroom helps with the natural cycle of carbon dioxide and oxygen, improving the overall air quality in your bedroom.

Take advantage of nature’s best heater: the sun

In the cold winter months, open blinds, draperies, and shutters during the day to let solar energy warm and brighten your room naturally. In the hot summer months, be sure to do the opposite, and close your window coverings to prevent your bedroom from overheating and causing air conditioning units or fans to work harder, thus using more energy.

The post Three easy tips to create a more natural bedroom appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Does BPA in plastic have you worried?  Are you concerned about harmful chemicals in products like bug spray and baby wipes?

You’re not alone!

It seems like every week there is another story on the news about toxins in products that we use everyday.  As a Mom, you want to provide a safe and healthy environment for your family, but it can get overwhelming trying to sort the good products from the bad.  When your time is already stretched thin, how do you find time to wade through all of the information?

Want my advice? Just throw a party!

Thanks to the people at WomensVoices.org a new trend is sprouting up around the country, “Green Momma Parties”.  So what is a Green Momma Party?  It is a fun way for you and your friends learn more about dangerous toxins that are in everyday household products and then take easy steps to reduce them!

The Women’s Voices for the Earth website, walks you through the process of planning and hosting your own Green Momma Party.  It provides you will all the information, materials, and even some fun DIY toxin-free recipes for products like Non-Toxic Bug Repellent and Sweet Potato and Melon Mash Baby Food.  The best part is that they offer all of the information for free!

What I love about Green Momma Parties is that they are fun and empowering!  There is so much information out there about going “green”, but most of it is so negative.  Statistics and news reports can be scary and intimidating, not to mention that sometimes I feel like I need a PhD just to understand it all!  Women’s Voices for the Earth have taken the most important and relevant information for Moms and assembled it in an easy-to-understand packet.  The packet even includes practical steps that you and your guests can take to make your home a safer place.

The only part of the party that Women’s Voices for the Earth hasn’t planned for you is the food but no fear, I have you covered!  For your Green Momma Party I recommend these Mini Brie and Arugula Sandwiches with Apple Mustard and Goat Cheese Bruschetta with Cherries and Mint as some light appetizers.  Add some Honeydew Green Iced Tea as a refreshing, healthy drink and Organic Strawberries and Cream Cookies for dessert and you have an easy, light menu that is sure to impress your guests!

So gather some friends, whip up some yummy green foods, and remember that there is no need get overwhelmed, just throw a Green Momma Party!

The post Detoxify With A Party appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.